Greko raises his staff up a bit with it lit up and begins to move across the bridge with back to normal Rum, backwards Lady Kaede, angsty Thea, newly anointed cleric Violet, and maybe Judal or 1/2 Judal.....Greko is unsure.
Judal looks around at the others and then follows Greko as well. He still has no clue what all is going on but, assuming it's not all some weird practical joke, then perhaps Greko has figured out the problem and is leading the way out? Or deeper into it...
Nothing the team does to disrupt whatever effect they are under works. They remain in its grasp, like a bird clutched in a hand, unable to do anything but struggle and wonder about their fate as they draw ever closer to the town.
Strangely enough, as they move toward the 'urban sprawl' of the tiny little hamlet, no one seems to notice them. It is as if they are all in a dream, separated from the rest of the world in tangible ways. They can see...they can move...but they are not seen, not acknowledged...
A fog begins to settle over the town, seeming to be thickest near the river the bisects the village. Approaching the river causes the fog to begin to coalesce, to take form, shape, as a lithe humanoid form is born from wisps. Gray...no pale...maybe white? No, gray? Whatever it is, it is clearly meant to be a person, though of lineage or gender it is hard to say. The figure steps down to the foot of the bridge crossing the river and makes a motion with its finger.
Once the figure coalesces enough for Judal to recognize them they steal all his focus and the group is... not forgotten or ignored, precisely, but not where his thoughts are. He just presumes they too will recognize and obey. As such, Judal quickly drops to one knee and bows his head to the figure. Upon seeing the gesture he stands and follows without question.
Violet has no idea who the shadowy figure is... but with nothing better to do, and seeing that Judal is obeying its mandate, she nods and begins to follow the entity cautiously.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Greko knows in an instant and follows. He turns to Rum and Kaede and beckons them to follow. Seeing the hesitancy on Kaedes face. He touches here shoulder “Come Lady Kaede you know who this” (Guidance cast)
There's a pause. A sensation as if the wisps caress Thea's skin, coaxing her to turn around. Violet eyes follow before her body does. But no matter how hard she focused, or how much she rubbed her eyes, the figure would never become clear. It was like one of those dreams where ones eyes were stuck half shut and refuse to open further no matter what. It was, in a way, frustrating. Even more so, the alicorn was filled with a sense of familiarity in a way, as if she knew the gravity of the being, but couldn't quite put her finger on who. However there was this flutter in her chest, this feeling deep within her heart that whoever they were, they were a kindred spirit. The figure successfully draws Thea forward, luring her towards her.
As the fog began to coalesce into a humanoid form, Lady Kaede's mind, still reeling from the bizarre inversion of reality, experienced a sudden clarity. The fog lifted, dispelling the disorienting effects of the temporal distortion. Her vision returned to normal, the world righting itself as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as she regained her senses. The humanoid figure, a pale, ethereal form, stood at the foot of the bridge, its presence commanding attention. Her eyes scanned the figure, searching for clues to its identity or purpose.
While the others seemed to be drawn into the figure’s sway, Lady Kaede maintained a cautious distance. Something about this entity felt wrong, unnatural. Her samurai instincts, honed through years of combat, warned her to proceed with caution.
She glanced at her companions, their reactions a mix of awe and submission. A flicker of concern ignited within her. They were being led blindly into the unknown, their free will seemingly compromised.
With a firm resolve, Lady Kaede took a step back, her stance wide and defensive. Her hand drifted towards the hilt of her katana, a silent promise of readiness. This was not the time for blind obedience. She would not be a pawn in someone else's game.
Rum watches the shape of a figure coalesce out of the fog, and instantly recognises the being behind it. A smile crosses his feline face, as his paw reaches across to rest over his heart in a show of respect.
He sees Judal drop to one knee before following, and Violet follow more cautiously. He hears Greko prompt Lady Kaede to follow as well, but the Samurai reacts in the opposite manner, with suspicion. She seemed ready to act as she stepped backwards.
He cocks his head and narrows his eyes, feeling no reason to doubt, and yet his journey had taught him to be wary and Lady Kaede's reaction didn't sit well with him. He spots Thea moving in the direction the fog being beckons as well, leaving himself between Lady Kaede and those moving onwards.
He tries to clear his mind before asking of Lady Kaede, "What is wrong, Lady Kaede? You feel something amiss?".
A surge of recognition washed over Lady Kaede as the weight of history settled upon her. The ethereal figure, shrouded in an aura of ancient power, bore the unmistakable mark of a mystical figure whose name was whispered in hushed reverence throughout her childhood.
Respect mingled with caution as she regarded the spectral figure. The lessons of her lineage flooded her mind, tales of the being's benevolence and her ultimate sacrifice. Yet, the figure before her seemed... off. There was a darkness lurking beneath the ethereal glow, a shadow that cast doubt upon its true nature.
With a measured step forward, Lady Kaede bowed her head in a gesture of respect, her voice echoing the reverence instilled in her since birth. "Lady Empress," she began, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. "Your presence here... it fills me with both reverence and trepidation. What fate has brought you to this desolate place?"
Her words were a careful balance, a respectful acknowledgement of the figure's identity, yet a firm assertion of her own agency. She would not be swayed by mere appearances, no matter how revered the figure might be.
Lady Kaede shifts her weight impatiently, her gaze fixed on the ethereal figure. The wait was beginning to test her patience. With a sigh, she leans against the nearest rock, the cold stone a welcome contrast to the oppressive heat of the moment. As if on autopilot, her hands move to unlace her boots, the accumulated pebbles spilling onto the ground with a soft clatter.
Lady Kaede, ever the noble samurai, decided to host a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to lift the spirits of her companions. She set up a small, makeshift tea room in a quiet corner of their camp, using a fallen log as a table and a few large leaves as mats. With meticulous care, she prepared the tea, following the ancient ritual with precision. The water was heated to the perfect temperature, the matcha whisked into a frothy green cloud, and the tea poured into small, ceramic bowls. She invited her companions to join her, each taking a turn at the small table. As they sipped the tea, Lady Kaede explained the symbolism of each step, the importance of mindfulness, and the appreciation of the moment. The ceremony, a brief respite from the dangers and uncertainties of their journey, brought a sense of peace and tranquility to the group. Even the most hardened adventurer couldn't help but be touched by the beauty and simplicity of the ritual. As they finished their tea, they exchanged smiles, their spirits lifted, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them next.
In a realm where shadows danced and spirits whispered, Lady Kaede stood poised on a moonlit stage. Dressed in the ornate attire of a kabuki actor, her face painted with intricate strokes, she embodied the tragic heroine of a tale spun from ancient myths.
Her father, the esteemed Shōgun Ashikaga, watched with pride and admiration as his daughter brought the tale to life. Her every gesture, every inflection of her voice, was a testament to her rigorous training and unwavering dedication. Her six brothers, each a formidable warrior in their own right, sat in the audience, their eyes fixed on their sister's performance.
As the drama unfolded, Lady Kaede's performance captivated the audience. She danced with the grace of a swan, her movements fluid and precise. She spoke with the passion of a poet, her voice rising and falling with the ebb and flow of the narrative. And when the time came for her to convey the depths of her character's despair, her tears were genuine, her sorrow palpable.
The performance concluded with a thunderous applause, the audience mesmerized by Lady Kaede's talent. As she bowed deeply, acknowledging the praise, she felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that she had honored the legacy of her family and the rich traditions of their culture.
Lady Kaede, ever the noble samurai, decided to host a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to lift the spirits of her companions. She set up a small, makeshift tea room in a quiet corner of their camp, using a fallen log as a table and a few large leaves as mats. With meticulous care, she prepared the tea, following the ancient ritual with precision. The water was heated to the perfect temperature, the matcha whisked into a frothy green cloud, and the tea poured into small, ceramic bowls. She invited her companions to join her, each taking a turn at the small table. As they sipped the tea, Lady Kaede explained the symbolism of each step, the importance of mindfulness, and the appreciation of the moment. The ceremony, a brief respite from the dangers and uncertainties of their journey, brought a sense of peace and tranquility to the group. Even the most hardened adventurer couldn't help but be touched by the beauty and simplicity of the ritual. As they finished their tea, they exchanged smiles, their spirits lifted, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them next.
Thea watches Lady Kaede with quiet admiration as she carefully pours the tea, her fingers moving with a grace that seems to embody the very essence of calm. As the warm, green liquid is offered, Thea hesitates for a moment, almost as though the ceremony itself is a delicate thing, fragile and precious. Her violet eyes meet Lady Kaede's, and she smiles softly, though the weight of unspoken words lingers on her lips.
"Simplicity," Thea muses, her voice barely more than a breath, "can hold a depth that words fail to capture." She takes the bowl gently, cradling it between her hands, the warmth seeping into her skin, grounding her in the present moment. "There is a strange comfort in this, in the ritual... it feels familiar, like the way the wind moves through the trees, or how the stars feel when you stare at them long enough."
She takes a sip, closing her eyes as the bitterness of the matcha dances on her tongue. "I’ve walked many paths in a short time, but this... this is something different. It makes the world outside feel a little less chaotic." A soft laugh escapes her, though it holds a touch of melancholy. "Perhaps we could all learn to pause like this more often. To drink in a moment instead of rushing through it." As the tea warms her from the inside, she settles deeper into the present, grateful for the peace Lady Kaede's ceremony has given them all.
Thea's words, though spoken softly, resonated deeply with Lady Kaede. "Simplicity... indeed," she murmured, sipping her tea. "In a world of chaos, it is easy to forget the beauty in the mundane."
The alicorn's observation about the stars, about finding peace in the quiet moments, struck a chord within her. Lady Kaede had spent her life training, honing her skills, preparing for constant vigilance. This brief respite, this simple act of sharing tea with her companions, offered a valuable reminder that even in the midst of a perilous journey, there was beauty to be found in the quiet moments, in the appreciation of the present.
A gentle smile touched Lady Kaede's lips. "You are wise beyond your years, Thea," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Perhaps we should all take a page from your book and learn to savor these fleeting moments of tranquility."
The quiet corner of the camp, a small clearing amidst the strange, inverted trees, became Lady Kaede's sanctuary. As the others rested or engaged in hushed conversations, she retreated into her own world, a world of focused movement and silent contemplation.
She began with meditation, settling into a seiza position, her spine straight, her breath slow and deliberate. The chaotic energy of the reversed world faded into the background as she centered herself, drawing upon the discipline instilled in her from childhood. The whispers of the wind, the strange, backwards calls of unseen creatures, became a part of the rhythm of her breath, a reminder of the need for inner stillness amidst external chaos.
After a time, she rose, her movements fluid and precise, and drew her katana and wakizashi. The twin daishō blades, extensions of her own will, shimmered in the strange twilight. She began a series of kata, the ancient forms flowing from her memory as if they were a part of her very being.
Each strike, each parry, was executed with meticulous care. The air hissed as the blades sliced through it, the only sound the soft rustle of her clothing and the rhythmic cadence of her breath. She moved with a grace that belied the deadly intent behind her actions, her body a blur of controlled motion.
She practiced not only for the physical prowess it honed, but for the mental clarity it brought. In the dance of the blades, she found a sense of order, a way to impose control upon the unpredictable world around her. Each kata was a meditation in motion, a silent prayer for strength and resilience.
As she finished her practice, she sheathed her blades, the click of the scabbard a sharp punctuation to the silence. A sense of calm settled over her, a quiet confidence that she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. She was ready.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
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Greko raises his staff up a bit with it lit up and begins to move across the bridge with back to normal Rum, backwards Lady Kaede, angsty Thea, newly anointed cleric Violet, and maybe Judal or 1/2 Judal.....Greko is unsure.
Rum makes sure everyone else is following, before he moves after Greko himself.
Judal looks around at the others and then follows Greko as well. He still has no clue what all is going on but, assuming it's not all some weird practical joke, then perhaps Greko has figured out the problem and is leading the way out? Or deeper into it...
Nothing the team does to disrupt whatever effect they are under works. They remain in its grasp, like a bird clutched in a hand, unable to do anything but struggle and wonder about their fate as they draw ever closer to the town.
Strangely enough, as they move toward the 'urban sprawl' of the tiny little hamlet, no one seems to notice them. It is as if they are all in a dream, separated from the rest of the world in tangible ways. They can see...they can move...but they are not seen, not acknowledged...
A fog begins to settle over the town, seeming to be thickest near the river the bisects the village. Approaching the river causes the fog to begin to coalesce, to take form, shape, as a lithe humanoid form is born from wisps. Gray...no pale...maybe white? No, gray? Whatever it is, it is clearly meant to be a person, though of lineage or gender it is hard to say. The figure steps down to the foot of the bridge crossing the river and makes a motion with its finger.
Follow me....
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Once the figure coalesces enough for Judal to recognize them they steal all his focus and the group is... not forgotten or ignored, precisely, but not where his thoughts are. He just presumes they too will recognize and obey. As such, Judal quickly drops to one knee and bows his head to the figure. Upon seeing the gesture he stands and follows without question.
Violet has no idea who the shadowy figure is... but with nothing better to do, and seeing that Judal is obeying its mandate, she nods and begins to follow the entity cautiously.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Greko knows in an instant and follows. He turns to Rum and Kaede and beckons them to follow. Seeing the hesitancy on Kaedes face. He touches here shoulder “Come Lady Kaede you know who this” (Guidance cast)
There's a pause. A sensation as if the wisps caress Thea's skin, coaxing her to turn around. Violet eyes follow before her body does. But no matter how hard she focused, or how much she rubbed her eyes, the figure would never become clear. It was like one of those dreams where ones eyes were stuck half shut and refuse to open further no matter what. It was, in a way, frustrating. Even more so, the alicorn was filled with a sense of familiarity in a way, as if she knew the gravity of the being, but couldn't quite put her finger on who. However there was this flutter in her chest, this feeling deep within her heart that whoever they were, they were a kindred spirit. The figure successfully draws Thea forward, luring her towards her.
just an unstable unicorn.
As the fog began to coalesce into a humanoid form, Lady Kaede's mind, still reeling from the bizarre inversion of reality, experienced a sudden clarity. The fog lifted, dispelling the disorienting effects of the temporal distortion. Her vision returned to normal, the world righting itself as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as she regained her senses. The humanoid figure, a pale, ethereal form, stood at the foot of the bridge, its presence commanding attention. Her eyes scanned the figure, searching for clues to its identity or purpose.
While the others seemed to be drawn into the figure’s sway, Lady Kaede maintained a cautious distance. Something about this entity felt wrong, unnatural. Her samurai instincts, honed through years of combat, warned her to proceed with caution.
She glanced at her companions, their reactions a mix of awe and submission. A flicker of concern ignited within her. They were being led blindly into the unknown, their free will seemingly compromised.
With a firm resolve, Lady Kaede took a step back, her stance wide and defensive. Her hand drifted towards the hilt of her katana, a silent promise of readiness. This was not the time for blind obedience. She would not be a pawn in someone else's game.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Rum watches the shape of a figure coalesce out of the fog, and instantly recognises the being behind it. A smile crosses his feline face, as his paw reaches across to rest over his heart in a show of respect.
He sees Judal drop to one knee before following, and Violet follow more cautiously. He hears Greko prompt Lady Kaede to follow as well, but the Samurai reacts in the opposite manner, with suspicion. She seemed ready to act as she stepped backwards.
He cocks his head and narrows his eyes, feeling no reason to doubt, and yet his journey had taught him to be wary and Lady Kaede's reaction didn't sit well with him. He spots Thea moving in the direction the fog being beckons as well, leaving himself between Lady Kaede and those moving onwards.
He tries to clear his mind before asking of Lady Kaede, "What is wrong, Lady Kaede? You feel something amiss?".
A surge of recognition washed over Lady Kaede as the weight of history settled upon her. The ethereal figure, shrouded in an aura of ancient power, bore the unmistakable mark of a mystical figure whose name was whispered in hushed reverence throughout her childhood.
Respect mingled with caution as she regarded the spectral figure. The lessons of her lineage flooded her mind, tales of the being's benevolence and her ultimate sacrifice. Yet, the figure before her seemed... off. There was a darkness lurking beneath the ethereal glow, a shadow that cast doubt upon its true nature.
With a measured step forward, Lady Kaede bowed her head in a gesture of respect, her voice echoing the reverence instilled in her since birth. "Lady Empress," she began, her voice filled with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. "Your presence here... it fills me with both reverence and trepidation. What fate has brought you to this desolate place?"
Her words were a careful balance, a respectful acknowledgement of the figure's identity, yet a firm assertion of her own agency. She would not be swayed by mere appearances, no matter how revered the figure might be.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Rum looks from the foggy empress to Lady Kaede and back a few times.
"I am not certain she can speak in that form, Lady Kaede", he says with a frown and a shrug.
Lady Kaede shifts her weight impatiently, her gaze fixed on the ethereal figure. The wait was beginning to test her patience. With a sigh, she leans against the nearest rock, the cold stone a welcome contrast to the oppressive heat of the moment. As if on autopilot, her hands move to unlace her boots, the accumulated pebbles spilling onto the ground with a soft clatter.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
OOC: Anyone know what happened with our Star Lancers?
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
In another world, in another time...
Lady Kaede, ever the noble samurai, decided to host a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to lift the spirits of her companions. She set up a small, makeshift tea room in a quiet corner of their camp, using a fallen log as a table and a few large leaves as mats. With meticulous care, she prepared the tea, following the ancient ritual with precision. The water was heated to the perfect temperature, the matcha whisked into a frothy green cloud, and the tea poured into small, ceramic bowls. She invited her companions to join her, each taking a turn at the small table. As they sipped the tea, Lady Kaede explained the symbolism of each step, the importance of mindfulness, and the appreciation of the moment. The ceremony, a brief respite from the dangers and uncertainties of their journey, brought a sense of peace and tranquility to the group. Even the most hardened adventurer couldn't help but be touched by the beauty and simplicity of the ritual. As they finished their tea, they exchanged smiles, their spirits lifted, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them next.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
A Glimpse into Another World...
In a realm where shadows danced and spirits whispered, Lady Kaede stood poised on a moonlit stage. Dressed in the ornate attire of a kabuki actor, her face painted with intricate strokes, she embodied the tragic heroine of a tale spun from ancient myths.
Her father, the esteemed Shōgun Ashikaga, watched with pride and admiration as his daughter brought the tale to life. Her every gesture, every inflection of her voice, was a testament to her rigorous training and unwavering dedication. Her six brothers, each a formidable warrior in their own right, sat in the audience, their eyes fixed on their sister's performance.
As the drama unfolded, Lady Kaede's performance captivated the audience. She danced with the grace of a swan, her movements fluid and precise. She spoke with the passion of a poet, her voice rising and falling with the ebb and flow of the narrative. And when the time came for her to convey the depths of her character's despair, her tears were genuine, her sorrow palpable.
The performance concluded with a thunderous applause, the audience mesmerized by Lady Kaede's talent. As she bowed deeply, acknowledging the praise, she felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that she had honored the legacy of her family and the rich traditions of their culture.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Thea watches Lady Kaede with quiet admiration as she carefully pours the tea, her fingers moving with a grace that seems to embody the very essence of calm. As the warm, green liquid is offered, Thea hesitates for a moment, almost as though the ceremony itself is a delicate thing, fragile and precious. Her violet eyes meet Lady Kaede's, and she smiles softly, though the weight of unspoken words lingers on her lips.
"Simplicity," Thea muses, her voice barely more than a breath, "can hold a depth that words fail to capture." She takes the bowl gently, cradling it between her hands, the warmth seeping into her skin, grounding her in the present moment. "There is a strange comfort in this, in the ritual... it feels familiar, like the way the wind moves through the trees, or how the stars feel when you stare at them long enough."
She takes a sip, closing her eyes as the bitterness of the matcha dances on her tongue. "I’ve walked many paths in a short time, but this... this is something different. It makes the world outside feel a little less chaotic." A soft laugh escapes her, though it holds a touch of melancholy. "Perhaps we could all learn to pause like this more often. To drink in a moment instead of rushing through it." As the tea warms her from the inside, she settles deeper into the present, grateful for the peace Lady Kaede's ceremony has given them all.
just an unstable unicorn.
Thea's words, though spoken softly, resonated deeply with Lady Kaede. "Simplicity... indeed," she murmured, sipping her tea. "In a world of chaos, it is easy to forget the beauty in the mundane."
The alicorn's observation about the stars, about finding peace in the quiet moments, struck a chord within her. Lady Kaede had spent her life training, honing her skills, preparing for constant vigilance. This brief respite, this simple act of sharing tea with her companions, offered a valuable reminder that even in the midst of a perilous journey, there was beauty to be found in the quiet moments, in the appreciation of the present.
A gentle smile touched Lady Kaede's lips. "You are wise beyond your years, Thea," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "Perhaps we should all take a page from your book and learn to savor these fleeting moments of tranquility."
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
The quiet corner of the camp, a small clearing amidst the strange, inverted trees, became Lady Kaede's sanctuary. As the others rested or engaged in hushed conversations, she retreated into her own world, a world of focused movement and silent contemplation.
She began with meditation, settling into a seiza position, her spine straight, her breath slow and deliberate. The chaotic energy of the reversed world faded into the background as she centered herself, drawing upon the discipline instilled in her from childhood. The whispers of the wind, the strange, backwards calls of unseen creatures, became a part of the rhythm of her breath, a reminder of the need for inner stillness amidst external chaos.
After a time, she rose, her movements fluid and precise, and drew her katana and wakizashi. The twin daishō blades, extensions of her own will, shimmered in the strange twilight. She began a series of kata, the ancient forms flowing from her memory as if they were a part of her very being.
Each strike, each parry, was executed with meticulous care. The air hissed as the blades sliced through it, the only sound the soft rustle of her clothing and the rhythmic cadence of her breath. She moved with a grace that belied the deadly intent behind her actions, her body a blur of controlled motion.
She practiced not only for the physical prowess it honed, but for the mental clarity it brought. In the dance of the blades, she found a sense of order, a way to impose control upon the unpredictable world around her. Each kata was a meditation in motion, a silent prayer for strength and resilience.
As she finished her practice, she sheathed her blades, the click of the scabbard a sharp punctuation to the silence. A sense of calm settled over her, a quiet confidence that she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. She was ready.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?